For starters, this list is not a ranking, and has been arranged purely in alphabetical order. The THR India team considered a wide array of films released in the 21st century — from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2024 — spanning languages and industries across the country. We considered mainstream hits, middle-of-the-road surprises, indie oddballs and everything in between. For months on end, we discussed, debated and drove each other up the wall. Of course, India’s cinematic landscape is vast and varied, and there were several almost-theres; with some regret, many of our (and your) favourites had to give way. Their absence from the list is, quite frankly, an acknowledgment of our limits, and not a negation of their importance in the story of Indian film.
